Landscape Simplification Modifies Trap-Nesting Bee and Wasp Communities in the Subtropics.

ABSTRACT: (1) Background: Landscape simplification is a major threat to bee and wasp conservation in the tropics, but reliable, long-term population data are lacking. We investigated how community composition, diversity, and abundance of tropical solitary bees and wasps change with landscape simplification (plant diversity, plant richness, distance from forest, forest cover, and land use type) and season. (2) Methods: We installed 336 timber and cob trap nests in four complex forests and three simplified orchards within the subtropical biodiversity hotspot of south-east Queensland, Australia. Trap nests were replaced every season for 23 months and all emergents identified. (3) Results: We identified 28 wasp species and 13 bee species from 2251 brood cells. Bee and wasp community composition changed

SUBMITTER: Wilson RS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7760584 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature